Mother's Day is fast approaching (and is a lot earlier this year, falling on the 6th March) and as part of a Mother's Day gift and inspiration guide, organised by Cotton Traders, I've been asked to contribute something knitted for the gift guide.

This was a great challenge to get my teeth stuck into over the last couple of weeks, and I've designed these floral mittens, named Mother's Tulip Mittens, which can be knit very quickly and are suitable for knitters who are new to colour work/stranded knitting.

You only need 3 colours, straight needles, and an evening in front of the TV to get these lovely easy mittens worked up. It's also a great way to use up any of your yarn stash as so little wool is needed. Even though it's a straightforward pattern, it makes for a lovely little extra gift for your mum this mother's day, perhaps if she has a bit of a green finger and wants to keep her hands warm. Finished Size

These fingerless mittens, or wrist warmers, should fit the average lady's hands. My hands are quite long and slim so you may need to cast on more or add more rows depending on your size (this pattern is very easy to adjust to meet your needs!). Before sewing up the finished dimensions should be 16cm x 16cm

20 stitches x 28 rows = 10cm x 10cm in stocking stitch 4mm straight knitting needles (or to match tension)
DK weight yarn in grey, green and pink
Knitting chart (below)

Yarn Ideas
If you don't have any DK in your stash you could try Cygnet Double Knitting, Stylecraft Special DK, or Hayfield Bonus DK; these are my favourite acrylic based yarns (I work in acrylic much more than traditional wool, but if you want something warmer I would go for some wool/blends).

Use Arne & Carlos' technique for increasing stitches in this pattern. This way you won't have any holes in your mittens and you will match the stitch count in the chart.
Use their video to learn how to increase (start watching at 8.45)

Decreases will be usual k2tog

(knit 2)

Cast on 32 stitches with grey yarn

Rows 1-4 - work 2x2 rib pattern (k2, p2) (32)
Row 5 - k1, inc, k8, inc, k14, inc, k8, inc, k1 (36)
(see Note above for inc technique)

Starting with a purl row, work the chart below (bottom up) in stocking stitch, from row 1 to row 35, ending on a purl row
Row 40 - k1, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k1 (32)
Rows 41-44 - work 2x2 rib pattern (k2, p2) (32)
Cast off loosely in rib pattern

- Weave in ends.
- Pin mittens to desired dimensions and block, allow to relax and dry
- With right sides together, and flower pattern at the top, sew the edges together leaving a thumb hole as follows; start from the top and sew down for 3.5cm, leave a gap of 4cm, then continue sewing to the bottom.
- Turn right side out. If you do knit these for your mum hopefully she will like them! Happy Mother's Day :)
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